As I’ve told you guys before, a part of why I started this blog was to encourage people to “walk their planks”. No, it’s not a runner’s blog despite what I’ve been told from social media marketers.
On the contrary, Plank Runner is a metaphor for facing your fears, diving into the unknown, challenging change and conquering blatantly whatever is holding you back from achieving the reality you want to live in regards to traveling.
It conveniently also references my yachtie lifestyle.
With that, I find it completely necessary to address the Instagram vs. Reality aspect of it all. Or as I like to say social media is not real.
What I Mean By Social Media Is Not Real
I know I’m not really helping my own social media campaign, but a picture no longer tells 1000 words. I think if anything pictures nowadays only speak the same few sentences “I wish… ”, “Why can’t I….” or “Wow if only…” etc, etc.
I will use myself as an example. Lately my life has felt unbearably mundane and frankly lonely. I’ve been sitting in Miami (a place I’m not in love with) on a boat that is broken as a crew of 1, essentially spending almost all of my free time on this blog. Have my posts, pictures or videos lead you to believe that? Probably not.
Don’t get me wrong. Through all this, I still have an optimistic perspective. I’m still working aboard, but have had more down time than ever before, get to make my own schedule and have been able to do some spontaneous traveling on the weekends. So, I’m grateful, but that’s only a small part of my life.
If We Know That, Why Do We Still Do It?
I think there are a couple reasons: self affirmation, comparison, no one cares about the boring parts or lastly because it’s their jobs.
Self Affirmation:
It feels good to be liked! To receive likes! Comments! Hearts! Whatever! Cooler, prettier, more exotic content, gets more reaction.
Like Kyle and Tuna! How can you not love a cat in a bowtie and a Kyle in a hand knit sweater by his grandma?!
Outside affirmation is innate and fair, but should be balanced with healthy doses of self-esteem and internal reflection.
Comparison:
Sadly, it has become human nature to compare ourselves to others. In doing so we have created filters, effects and photo shop to eliminate our own insecurities so others won’t know or judge.
To add, we now treat social media as a first impression. Companies, peers and people check social media for a first impression before even meeting in person.
No One Cares About The Boring Parts:
To post reality would be boring. We want instant gratification. We want to see how to get rich quick, lose 10 pounds in 10 days, become viral overnight. In this age of technology we have lost all patience. Personally, any get rich quick scheme is my ultimate kryptonite.
It’s Their Livelihood
Nowadays, SOO many people earn a living off influencing. Though the majority are not telling you implicit costs or reality of their products or lifestyles. Why? Because they don’t actually live like that. Or maybe because they want a paycheck.
I don’t mean that in a bad way, everyones gotta eat. I just mean to be aware of their intentions. And as always, do your own research before jumping in.
Am I Part Of The Problem?
Before blogging I did not spend much time on social media. This experience has been a dramatic change for me. In a way, it embodies everything I’m encouraging others to do: face fears, challenge change, conquer the unknown.
Yet in others, I feel like a fraud. I haven’t explored every nook and cranny of all the places I recommend or know everything about the yachting industry to help everyone out.
What Can I Do About It?
My point is, I think it’s beneficial for everyone to evaluate their own presence and perspective on social media.
Ask Yourself Presence Questions Like:
- How may others interpret/react to this?
- Does this coincide with my beliefs?
- Have I done outside research about this topic?
Ask Yourself Perspective Questions Like:
- How is social media affecting my well-being?
- How much time am I dedicating to social media?
- Has social media challenged my beliefs in any way?
At The Same Time:
- Don’t be ashamed of your real life or of posting cool pictures either!
- Take social media breaks
- Look at everything with a grain of salt
- Don’t take everything online too seriously, respond how you would in person
- Do your own research before you react to any post
- Don’t let social media consume your time!
Thank you for reading my Ted Talk.
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